Post Breakup Advice

10 Things You Should Never EVER Do After a Breakup

Avoid these post-split sins to move on in a healthy way.

10 Things You Should Never EVER Do After a BreakupAvoid these post-split sins to move on in a healthy way.

In completely obvious news, breakups suck. But sometimes, the aftermath can be even more confusing and emotionally draining. It's totally normal to make some questionable decisions post-split—you're feeling lost, hurt, and less confident than usual. So to help you navigate this tricky breakup world, we've rounded up some of the common landmines you'll want to avoid.

Just think of us as that helpful friend who pulls you back whenever you're about to do something you'll probably regret—like dying your hair green because he HATED the color green (um, so will you when it’s on your head). Here, what not to do after a breakup:

Blow up his phone with several calls and texts per day. This is kind of like stalking, so, if he isn’t calling you back, hang up the phone. Also, you have better things to do!

Eat your feelings. Yes, Chinese food would go great with the four hours of Netflix you plan to watch tonight, but making this an every night thing is not healthy. Plus, it won’t make you feel better—just bloated.

Drink your feelings. Chances are you girlfriends will want to take you out for cocktails to vent, chat, and celebrate your singledom. One happy hour is fine, but not a week of tequila-induced sloppy nights. You’ll just feel worse once you sober up. Plus, a broken heart and a hangover don’t mix well.

Sleep with the next guy who buys you a drink. Random hookups are always a little risky, but when you’re hot on the heels of a breakup, you’re even more likely to wake up feeling worse. Plus, who is this guy? You are way too hot for him! At least wait it out a little!

Reconnect with other exes. Girl, you aren’t with them for a reason. Remember that time he flaked on your grandma’s funeral? Not cool. It’s natural to be craving something comfortable and reassuring right now, but it’s also pretty selfish to turn to an ex for that if you’re not really interested in getting back together.

Obsess over his new girlfriend. It’s not her fault (well, probably not). Plus, one of the best ways to get over a split the healthy way is to take some responsibility for whatever part you played in the breakup—not blame it on that new chick who keeps popping up in his profile pictures.

Jump into another relationship right away. Everyone copes in different ways, but give yourself a little time to heal. While research shows that rebound relationships aren’t always doomed, it’s important to recognize if you’ve fully moved on first. After all, you wouldn’t want to be in a relationship with someone who’s still hung up on their ex, would you?

Try to get back at him. Do not, we repeat, do not go key his car or tell his boss he’s embezzling. It’s not worth it and revenge is not a good look on you—unless you’re Emily Thorne and you have your own TV show.

Forget to take some time for yourself. Staying busy with tons of plans can be great, but remember to give yourself some time to heal and process the breakup. After all, you’re pretty fantastic—with or without a partner—and now is the time to think of what you want.